FREEPORT — Twenty-three players in NIC-10 history have rushed for 2,000 career yards.

That number could hit 25 by tonight. If it does, three of them will be on the same field at the Pretzel Bowl.

Hononegah seniors Alex Martin (2,287 yards) and Jake Wilson (1,882) have each run for more than 200 yards the last two weeks, the first league teammates to do so. Freeport's Steve McShane (1,915) was the league's first sophomore to top 1,000 last year and needs 85 yards to become the first junior with 2,000.

"We haven't made that a focus, but it's quite an accomplishment," coach Aaron Wichman said of McShane, who needs 130 yards to break Troy King's school record of 2,044 set 35 years ago. "It's something he is aware of and so are the rest of his teammates. If he's healthy next year, that's something he completely obliterates."

Freeport's focus in tonight's season finale is on Martin and Wilson. Especially after the Pretzels (1-7) gave up 402 yards rushing to Auburn last week. Hononegah (6-2) has run for more than 400 yards against each of the NIC-10's other top four teams this year, Boylan, Harlem and Guilford.

"The biggest challenge is certainly those two running backs, but also that offensive line as well," Wichman said. "We haven't seen a team in a long time that comes off the ball right at you like that. Our guys are going to be challenged from the first snap defensively.

"We're going to be at a big size disadvantage. We can't let them break a tackle, because both of those guys have the ability to make a little play a long touchdown run. We have to be as physical up front as we can."

The young Pretzels have kept up on offense, scoring at least 21 points in seven of eight games, including 35 points on an Auburn team that held Boylan to 16 and 35 against Boylan, the most points the Titans have allowed in their last 99 games. With one game to go, Freeport has already scored more points than in either of the last two years.

But on defense, Freeport has given up 326 points, the most in the conference, and at least 28 in every game.

The Pretzels will return nine starters on offense next year and seven regulars on defense. That's why Wichman is more optimistic than pessimistic about Freeport's drastic good offense/bad defense split.

Wichman has particularly been pleased with the development of sophomore regulars Travis Buckwalter, Vaun Truckenmiller, Vance McShane and Demetri Offard. The 6-foot-2, 255-pound Buckwalter has started both ways the last two weeks, trying to bolster the defense.

"We have talked to these guys about the big picture all the way through," Wichman said. "Our defensive numbers aren't nearly as good as on offense, but a lot of these guys are going to be back, including our entire defensive line. We just need more development and another year for their bodies to grow and another year in the weight room."